Rule 1: Use a comma before “except” when introducing a non-essential element in a sentence.
- Correct: I go every day, except on Sundays, to the local pool.
- Incorrect: I go every day except on Sundays to the local pool.
Rule 2: You should always put a comma before “except” when it is a conjunction that connects two clauses.
- Correct: We wanted to arrive at work early, except the traffic was so bad we were late.
- Incorrect: We wanted to arrive at work early except the traffic was so bad we were late.
Rule 3: You shouldn’t use a comma when “except” is a preposition.
- Correct: I know everyone here except him in the blue shirt.
- Incorrect: I know everyone here, except him in the blue shirt.
Are you still in doubt about the rules? In the remainder of the article, you can read more about the use of commas with the word “except.”
When to Use a Comma Before “Except”
When deciding if you require a comma before “except,” you should refer to Rules 1 and 2.
Rule 1: Use a comma before “except” when it is the first word of a non-essential part of a sentence.
This means that if you remove the part that contains “except,” the sentence is still correct.
- Everyone from the office, except Ian, is attending the dinner on Friday.
- Every weekday morning, except Mondays, I attend a yoga class.
Rule 2: A comma is required before “except” when it connects two clauses.
They can be independent clauses or dependent, but in these cases, “except” is a conjunction.
- We went out for breakfast, except it was lunchtime by the time we arrived.
- I enjoy living near the beach, except when it is cold and windy.
- She may be the perfect candidate academically, except she doesn’t have any experience.
When to Avoid a Comma Before “Except”
You should avoid a comma before “except” when Rule 3 applies.
Rule 3: Do not put a comma before “except” when it is a preposition.
You can tell when it is a preposition because the thing that will follow it is either a noun or a pronoun.
- I enjoyed traveling in France except for the time I lost my passport.
- I have seen all the Godfather movies except the third one.
- I love all colors except red.
Conclusion
You should put a comma before “except” when it is a conjunction that links two clauses. Also, use a comma when “except” opens a non-essential element in a sentence. However, do not use a comma when “except” is a preposition, usually followed by a noun/pronoun.